Rotary antenna



Jan. 29, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 26, 1946 M. L. POTTER ROTARY ANTENNA Jan. 29, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 26, 1946 jam. 29, 1952 M, POTTER 2,583,747

ROTARY ANTENNA Filed Jan. 26, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 6 Jan. 29, 1952 M. L. PQTTER 2,533,347

ROTARY ANTENNA Filed Jan. 26, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Jan. 29, 1952 ROTARY ANTENNA Marcus L. Potter, Park Ridge, 111., assignor to Gordon Specialties Company, a corporation of Illinois 13 Claims.

This invention relates to directional antennas and more particularly to means for rotating the same.

The principal object of this invention is to provide an improved mechanism for rotating directional antennas wherein the rotation of the antenna may be remotely controlled, wherein the rotative position of the antenna may be remotely indicated, and wherein the radiator of the antenna may be conductively coupled to the antenna transmission line in a manner to permit complete or continuous rotation in either direction of the antenna and still prevent the occur rence of man made noise in the radio either during transmission or reception.

In carrying out this object of the invention, the directional antenna is rotated in one direction or another by a reversible electric motor, the operation of which is remotely controlled. An indicating system, such as a Selsyn or voltage divider system, has a transmitter Selsyn or volttage divider positioned in accordance with the rotative position of the antenna and a receiver Selsyn or voltage divider controlled thereby for remotely indicating the rotative position of the antenna. An improved coupling system, including rotating collector rings or discs and braided wire collectors engaging the same, conductively couples the radiator or antenna to the trans-- mission line leads which permits complete and continuous rotation in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction of the antenna but still keeps the impedance in the leads to the radiator substantially constant. Noise in the radio, either during transmission or reception, due to rotation of the antenna is substantially eliminated.

in the rotating slip rings and braided wire 'collectors due to the large contact area over (approximately 300 degrees of arc.

' Further objects of the invention. reside in the details of construction of the rotating. mechanism, such as the rotative bearing support for the antenna, the drive mechanism for the an.-

tenna and direction indicating system, the con ductive coupling and the location and. interaction of the component parts of the mechanism.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference,

Application January 26, 1946, Serial No. 643,661

, 2 Fig. 3 is a perspective view looking upwardly at the rotating mechanism;

Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view of the rotating mechanism in inverted position and with thebowl or cover removed;

Fig. 5 is avertical sectional view through the rotating mechanism;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 6-6 of Fig. 5;

Fig. '7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 1-1 of Fig. 5; and

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-8 of Fig. 7. l

Referring first to Fig. 1, the directional antenna is generally designated at Ill and it is rotated in one direction or the other by a rotating mechanism generally indicated at H. The antenna and rotating mechanism may be supported in the air by a tower generally indicated at 2. The remote controlling and indicating cabinet, generally designated at [3 controls and indicates the rotative position of the antenna l0.

The directional antenna l0 includes a frame I5 for carrying radiators l6 and IT, a reflector i8, and directors 19 and 20, all of which are carried by the frame l5 through insulators 2|. The frame I5 is suitably secured to the rotating mechanism H which, in turn, is carried by a cradle platform 23 of the tower l2. The tower may comprise uprights 24 and braces 25.

The remote indicating and control cabinet I3 includes a panel 21 cooperating with the pointer of a Selsyn or voltage divider receiver unit for indicating the rotative position of the antenna 19. Power is supplied to the indicating and control. cabinet l3 from a sourceof alternating current through an extension cord 28. A switch 23 renders the electrical system operative. or inoperative and the switch controls the direction of rotation of the antenna II]. A multi-wire electrical cable 3| extends between the control cabinet l3 and the rotating mechanism ll.

Referring now to Figs. '3 and 5, therotating mechanism includes a spider 33 for carrying the frame of the antenna, an enclosed frame or dome 34 1'otatab1y mounting the spider 33, a bowl or cover 35 for the frame 34, and a carriage or cradle 36 mounted within the frame or dome 34 and supporting the driving mechanism for the spider 33.

The bowl or cover 35 includes a mounting flange 38 provided with holes 39 through which boltsor screws may secure the rotating mechanism to the cradel support of the tower I2.

I The flange 38 also includes holes 40 by which the bowl or cover 35 is secured to the frame or dome 34. The bottom of the bowl or cover 35 is provided with a boss 4I having an opening to permit attaching a receptacle of dehydrating material to absorb moisture from sweating or leakage that might occur in the rotating mechanism. The opening 42 may be closed by the plug 43 if: a dehydrating agent is not used. I

The frame or dome 34 is provided. with a flange 45 mating with the flange 38 of the bowl or cover 35. A gasket 46 is interposed between the two flanges and the flange 45 is provided with holes 41 and 48 by which the frame 34 and cover 35 may be secured together and the rotating mechanism mounted on the cradle support 23 of the tower. The frame or dome 34 comprises a housing portion .50 and a tubular extension I having an inner opening and bearing surface 52. The

tubular extension has an annular opening 53. inv

the internal bearing surface. The upper edge of the tubular extension 5i is tapered to provide a tapered bearing surface 54 having an annular opening 55 therein. The frame 34 is internally provided with bosses 5G to which the carriage 36 may be fastened by screws 51.

The spider 33 is provided with a hub 30 and spokes BI radiating therefrom and. terminating in a flange. 62. The flange 62 is provided with pads having holes 63 for securing the frame I5 of, the antenna to the spider. The hub 50 of the spider is tapered at 64 to provide a bearing surface and is. also provided with a key slot for accommodating a key 65 and a tapped hole for accommodating a set screw 6?, The key 66 and set screw B'I'secure the hub 60 of the spider 33 to a sleeve 68 which extends downwardly in the bearing surfaces 52 of the tubular extension 5I of the frame II. An oilless type of bearing 69 is interposed between the bearing surfaces 54 and 64 to provide free rotation of the spider 33 with respect to the-frame 34. Because of the tapered construction as shown, moisture and rain is kept out of the interior of the frame 34. Furthermore, this bearing is self centering for the spider 33.

An insulator H is provided with an annular opening 12' for accommodating the upper end of the sleeve 68 and is mountedon the hub 60 of the spider with a gasket I3 inter-posed therebetween, The insulator II is provided with a central opening for receiving the upper end of an outer conductor of a coaxial line formed of a hard drawn copper tube I4 which forms one of the conductive paths to the radiator of the antenna. A collar is screw threaded on the end of the sleeve 14 and is in electrical connection with alead fitting I6 which in turn is electrically connectedby a wire to the radiator I 3 of the antenna.

A second insulator I1 is carried by the sleeve 14 with a gasket 18' interposed between it and the collar I5. Th insulator I? is provided with a central opening therethrough to receive the inner conductor of a coaxial line formed of a copper rod 79. A weather shield is carried by the insulator '21 with a gasket 8| interposed therebetween and is held in place on the insulator IT by a nut 82 screw threadedly mounted on the rod 79. A lead fitting 83 is also secured to the rod 19 by a nut 84 and the fitting 83-may be electrically connected by a wire to the radiator I! of the antenna. The rod I3, therefore, forms part of. the electrical circuit to the radiator I'I. Both outer and inner members I4 and 79 of the coaxial line are insulated from ground.

A worm gear 86 having an annular extension 81 is secured. to the lower end of the sleeve 68 by a key 88 and a set screw 89. A spur gear 90 for driving the direction indicating transmitter is fastened to the under side of the worm wheel 36 by screws BI.

An insulator 33 having an extension fitting into the ilower end of the sleeve 68 is provided with a slot 94 for receiving the end of the screw 89 so that the insulator 93' is caused to rotate with the sleeve 68 and the worm wheel 85. The insulator 93 is provided with extensions 95 in which are mounted studs 95.

A collector ring or conductor disc 91 is provided with openings for receiving the extensions 95 of the insulator 33. and is also provided with a central screw threaded opening for screw threadedly receiving the lower end of the coaxial outer conductor or sleeve 14. When the sleeve '14 is screw threaded into the collector ring or conductor disc 91, the collector ring or conductor disc 91, the insulator 03, the sleeve 68, and the insulator II are all held in assembled relation. The sleeve 74' is, therefore, electrically connected to the collector ring or conductor disc 37. An insulator 98 is provided with an extension fitting. into thev coaxial sleeve 14 and is also provided with a central opening for receiving the coaxial inner conductor or rod 19. Nuts 39, screw threaded on the rod 19, hold the insulators 33 and 71 in place.

Insulators IOI are carried by the studs 96 for supporting a collector ring or conductor disc I02 through the agency of screws I03. The collector ring or conductor disc I02 is provided with a central opening for receiving the lower end of the rod 19 and electrical connection between the rod!!! and the collector ring or conductor disc I02 is assured by both solder and a nut I04.

By reason of the above construction the spider 3.3, the. worm wheel 86, and the collector rings or conductor discs 91 and I02 all operate and rotate' as a unit.

The carriage or cradle plate 36 is provided with holes I06 for accommodating the screws 51 whereby the carriage or cradle plate is secured within the frame or dome 34. The carriage is also provided with a central opening i0! and a marginal opening I08 for accommodating the operating parts extending therethrough. The carriage is also provided with upper oilless type bearings I09 and H0 for supporting a worm III mounted on a. shaft. H2. The worm III meshes with the worm gear 86 for causing rotation of the latter. The. shaft. II2 also carries a spur gear I I 3 meshing with. a spur gear II4 carried by a shaft H5 mounted inlower oilless type bearings II6v and" I IT. The shaft H5 is also provided with a'worm. gear I18 which meshes with a worm I I9 operated by a reversible electric motor I20. The motor may be a 0 horse power, 3-wire series reversible, or. an induction motor operating on voltsv alternating. current and, depending upon the circuit connections thereto, may be driven in onedireotion or another for operating through the gearing just, enumerated to rotate the spider 33 in one direction or the other.

Because of the large amount of gear reduction utilized, the motor I20 may be of relatively small size for providing suflicient power for rotating the antenna. The motor I20 is mounted on the under side of the carriage or cradle plate 36 by means of screws mounted in tapped holes I2I in the carriage 36. i

A gear I23 carried by the drive shaft I24 of a Selsyn or voltage divider transmitter unit I25 meshes with the spur gear 90 secured to the worm gear 86 so that the Selsyn or voltage divider transmitter-unit I is .positioned'in exact accordance with the position of the spur gear .96 and hence in exact accordance with the rotative position of the antenna I0.

The conductive couplings to the rotating col lector rings of conductor discs 91 and I02 are best shown in Figs. 7 and 8. Here the-conductor disc I02 is provided with an annular groove I for receiving a braided wire sleeve I3I. The braided wire sleeve I3I is provided with slits at I32 whereby a, coil spring I33- may be inserted into the braided wire sleeve I3I at those points. The coil spring I33 is provided with hooks I34 located in openings I35 in a bracket I36 carried by ascrew threaded stud I3? provided with a flange I 38; The

spring I33 holds the bracket I36 against the flange I38. The stud I31 is'provided with an extension I39 for receiving the ends of the braided wire sleeve I3I. The screw threaded stud I31 is provided with an insulator I40 coupling with an insulator I4I for securinglthe stud I31 to a stationary bracket I42. Nuts I43 and I44clamp the stud and insulators to the bracket I42. A connecting lug I46 is secured to the stud I31 by a nut I41 to provide an electricalconnection.

The ends of the braided wire sleeves I 3I are encased in a collar I49 where they engage the extension I39 and they are soldered to the extension I39 adjacent the flange I38. The collar I49 operates to localize the soldering of the braided wire sleeves I 3I to the extension I39 at a point adjacent the flange 138 and thereby prevent excessive solder from flowing along the braided wire with resultant brittleness of the same. In other words, this assembly and manner of soldering prevents the braided wire sleeves I3I .from becoming brittle beyond the line 8-8 .by reason of solder intermingling therein.

. The coil spring I33 maintains the braided wire sleeve I 3 I in firm contact with the major portion of the groove I30 of the conductor disc I02 and it does so with a uniform force over this entire distance whereby good electrical contact is at all times maintained between the braided wire sleeve I3I and the conductor disc I02. Because of this large surface of contact the resistance between the braided wire sleeve I3I and the conductor disc I02 remains substantially constant regardless of the rotation of the disc I02 and is therefore far superior to the usual or conventional commutator or collector arrangement. By maintaining the resistance at this point substantially constant, noise in the radio normally resulting because oichange in resistance, is substantally eliminated. This system which provides direct connections from the transmission line to the antenna permits noise free reception when the antenna is rotating.

The bracket I 42 is secured to the carriage or cradle plate 36 by means of screws I50.

The collector ring or conductor disc 91 is also contacted by a braided wire sleeve I52 in the same manner as illustrated in- Fig. '1 and the electrical connection from the braided wire sleeve I52 is made at I53. Wires, suitably spaced to maintain proper impedance, extend from the electrical terminals I and I53 to terminals I54 and I55 extending through the bowl or cover 35 and insulated therefrom by insulators I56 and I51 respectively. The high frequencyleads then extend from the terminals I54 and I 55, to the: radio apparatus through a transmission line.

A filter I60 is provided for the motor I20 and is suitably mounted on the carriage or cradle plate 36, A multiple female connector socket Nil lit is also carried by the carriage 36 'to' which the various electrical devices carried by the carriage 36 are electrically connected. A male connector I62 and multiple cableelectrically connects the terminals of socket I62 to an upper portion I 63 of a multiple electrical male plug. l64mount ed in the bottom of the bowl or cover 35. The lower portion of that plug I64 extends outwardly from the bowl or cover 35. The multiple cable 3I connects this lower portion of the connector I64 to a connector in the remote controlling and indicating cabinet I3, which connectorhas an outer portion I65 and an inner portion I66, as diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 2.

Located within the control cabinet I3 is a Selsyn or voltage divider direction indicator receiver unit I61 having a pointer cooperating with the dial on the panel 21. The dial on the panel 21 may be illuminated by lamps I68 connected across the line wires 28 by conductors I10 and HI. Power is transmitted from the line wires 28 through conductors I12 and I13 to the Selsyn or voltage divider transmitter unit I25. The position of the Selsyn or voltage divider receiver unit I61 is controlled by the position of the Selsyn or voltage divider transmitter unit I25 by means of conductors I12, I13, I14, I15 and I16 extending therebetween;

Power is supplied to the reversible electric motor I20 from the line wires 28 and through the reversing switch 30 by means of conductors I11, I18 and I19. When the reversing switch 30 is in the middle position as shown, the reversible motor I20 is deenergizedso that the antenna remains stationary. When the reversing switch 30 is moved. to one side, the reversible motor operates in one direction to rotate the antenna in one direction and when it is moved to the opposite side, the reversible motor operates in the opposite direction. The movement andposition of the antenna is transmitted through the Selsyn or voltage divider system to thecontrol cabinet I3 to advise the operator as to the position of'the antenna so that he may properly control the same remotely. When the master switch 29 is closed the direction indicating system in control cabinet I3 immediately shows the direction in which the antenna is pointed, regardless of power motor control switch 30.

While for purposes of illustration one form of this invention has been disclosed, other forms thereof may become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to this disclosure, and. therefore, this invention is to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims and prior art. a

I claim as my invention:

1. A rotating mechanism for an antenna comprising an enclosed frame having an upwardly projecting tubular extension, a spider carrying the antenna, a frusto-conical bearing on the upper end of the tubular extension for rotatably mounting the spider onthe tubular extension for rotation in a-horizontal plane, a reversible motor mounted within the enclosed frame, and a driving connection between the motor and the spider including a part extending through the tubular extension and the bearing.

2. A rotating mechanism for an antenna comprising an enclosed frame "having an upwardly projecting tubular'extension, a spider carrying the antenna,'a frustosconical' bearing on .the upper end of the tubular extension for rotatably mounting the spider on the tubular extension for rotation in a horizontal .plane,-asleeve carried by the spider and extending downwardly through the tubular extension and the bearing, a reversible electric motor :mountedwithin the enclosed frame, and gearing between the motor and the sleeve.

3. A rotating mechanism for an antenna comprising an enclosed frame having an upwardly projecting tubular extension, a spider carrying the antenna and mounted for rotation in a hori- Zontal plane on the upper end of the tubular extension, a sleeve carried by the spider and extending downwardly through thetubular extension, a reversible motor mounted within the enclosed frame, .a driving connection between the sleeve and the motor, electrical conductors from the antenna extending downwardly through the sleeve into the enclosed frame; and stationary electrical connections in the frame conductively coupled to the electrical conductors.

4. A rotating mechanism for an antenna comprising an enclosed frame having an upwardly projecting tubular extension, a spider carrying the antenna and mounted for rotation in-a horizontal plane on the upper end of the tubular extension, a sleeve carried by the spider and ex-. tending downwardly through the tubular exteps sion, a reversible motor mounted within the enclosed frame, a driving connection between the sleeve and the motor, insulators adjacent the spider and the upper end of the sleeve, coaxial electrical conductors carried by the insulators extending downwardly through the sleeve into the enclosed frame and adapted to be'connected to the antenna, and stationary electrical connections in the frame conductively coupled to the electrical conductors.

5. A rotating mechanism for an antenna com-- prising, an enclosed frame, a spider for carrying the antenna and mounted for rotation in-a hori-' zontal plane on the upper side of the frame and including a part extending downwardly into the enclosed frame, a carriage in the frame, a reversible electrical motor carried by the carriage, gearing carried by the carriage and coupling the motor to the downwardly extending part of the spider, an electrical direction transmitter car-- ried by the carriage and geared to the downwardly extending part of the spider, a multiple electric socket carried by the carriage, electrical connections between the socket'and the motor and electrical direction transmitter, a multiple electric plug carried by the frame, and a multiple electrical cable connecting the socket and plug.

6. A rotating mechanism for an antenna comprising an enclosed frame, a spider carrying-the antenna and mounted for rotation in a horizontal.

plane on the upper side of the frame, a sleeve carried by the spider and extending downwardly into the enclosed frame, a reversible motor mounted Within the enclosed frame, gearing between the motor and the sleeve for rotating the spider, an electrical conductor carried by the spider adapted to be connected to the antenna and extending downwardly through the sleeve into the enclosed frame, a conductor disc carried by the sleeve within the enclosed frame andelectrically connected to the conductor, a braided wire member engaging the periphery of the disc, and a stationary electrical connection to the braided wire member.

7. A rotating mechanism for an antenna comprising an enclosed frame, a spider carrying the antenna and mounted for rotation in-a horizontal plane on the upper side of the frame, a sleeve carried by the spider and extending downwardly ing the spider for rotation in a horizontal planeon the upper end of the tubular extension and into the enclosed frame, a reversible motor mounted within the enclosed frame, gearingbetween the motor and the :sleeve for rotating the spider, an electrical .conductor carried by the spider adapted to be connected to the antenna and extending downwardly "through the sleeve into the enclosed frame, a conductor disc car ried by the sleeve within the enclosed frame and electrically connected to the conductor, a braided wire member around the periphery of the conductor disc, spring means around the periphery of the conductor disc for holding the braided wire member in engagement with a relatively large portion of the periphery of the conductor disc; and a stationary electrical connection to the braided wire member.

8. A rotating mechanism for an antenna comprising an enclosed frame, a spider carrying the antenna and mounted for rotation in a horizontal plane on the upper side of the frame, a sleeve carried by the spider and extending downwardly into the enclosed frame, a reversible motor mounted within the enclosed frame, a gearing between the motor and the sleeve for rotating the spider, an electrical conductor carried by the spider adapted to be connected to the antenna and extending downwardly through the sleeve into the enclosed frame, a conductor disc carried by the sleeve within the enclosed frame and electrically connected to the conductor, a braided wire member engaging the periphery of the conductor disc, a stationary stud within the enclosed frame, the ends of the braided wire member engaging the stud, a sleeve around the ends of the braided wire member where they engage the stud, and a soldered connection between the stud and the ends of the braided wire member.

9. A rotating mechanism for an antenna comprising an enclosed frame having an upwardly projecting -tubular extension, a spider carrying the antenna, bearing and sealing means inter posed between the upper end of the tubular extension and the spider for supporting and mounting the spider for rotation in a horizontal plane on the upper end of the tubular extension and for sealing the interior of the enclosed frame, a reversible motor mounted within the enclosed frame, and a driving connection between the motor and the spider including a part extending through the tubular extension.

10. A rotating mechanism for an antenna comprising an'enclosed frame having'an upwardly projecting tubular extension, a spider-carrying the antenna, bearing and sealing means inter posed between the upper end of the tubular extension and the spider for supporting and mounting the spider for rotation in a horizontal plane on the upper end of the tubular'extension and prising an enclosed frame having an upwardly projecting tubular extension, a spider carrying the antenna, bearing and sealing means interposed between the upper end of the tubular extension and the spider for supporting and mountfor sealing the interior of the enclosed frame, a carriage mounted within the enclosed frame, a

reversible motor mounted on the carriage within the enclosed frame, and a driving connection between the motor and the spider including gearing mounted on the carriage and a part extending through the tubular extension.

12. A rotating mechanism for an antenna comprising an enclosed frame having an upwardly projecting tubular extension, a spider carrying the antenna, bearing and sealing means interposed between the upper end of the tubular extension and the spider for supporting and mounting the spider for rotation in a horizontal plane on the upper end of the tubular extension and for sealing the interior of the enclosed frame, a sleeve carried by the spider and extending downwardly through the tubular extension, a carriage mounted within the enclosed frame, a reversible motor mounted on the carriage within the enclosed frame, and gearing mounted on the carriage between the motor and the sleeve.

13. A rotating mechanism for an antenna comprising an enclosed frame having an upwardly projecting tubular extension, a spider carrying the antenna and having a part extending downwardly through the tubular extension into the enclosed frame, bearing and sealing means interposed between the upper end of the tubular extension and the spider for supporting and mounting the spider for rotation in a horizontal plane on the upper end of the tubular extension and for sealing the interior of the enclosed frame, a carriage within the enclosed frame, a reversible motor carried by the carriage within the enclosed frame, gearing carried by carriage and coupling the motor to the downwardly extending part of the spider, and an electrical direction transmitter carried by the carriage within the enclosed frame and geared to the downwardly extending part of the spider.

MARCUS L. POTTER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,801,042 Hand Apr. 14, 1931 1,918,180 Carter July 11, 1933 1,953,960 Huffman Apr. 10, 1934 2,199,050 Jenkins Apr. 30, 1940 2,248,335 Burkhart July 8, 1941 2,265,846 Krantz Dec. 9, 1941' 2,268,640 Brown Jan. 6, 1942 2,292,791 Mims Aug. 11, 1942 2,425,737 Hanna Aug. 19, 1947 2,427,005 King Sept. 9, 1947 2,452,168 Warren Oct. 26, 1948 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 616,055 France Jan. 22, 1927 OTHER REFERENCES Rotary Beams," by L. Cockaday, published in Radio News for November 1937, pages 266, 267, 308, 815 and 317. 

